I had no notion when I entered college as a first-year student that my future would become what it is now. Even in high school, I was the type of student who would go to class and then leave as soon as the bell rang and the class was dismissed. But today I am significantly more outgoing and found unity and support at my institution. I’ve met such incredible faculty and staff who are constantly pushing for my success and well-being, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the amazing mentors who are always there for me. I reflect on memories of myself from even a year ago and am grateful for the progress I have made, as I learned that investing in myself and my emotional state is also important. My sister once told me to “do the things you fear the most and just keep doing them,” and this has taught me to push myself beyond my safety net and so I found comfort in discomfort. I am extremely grateful to my family; as a first-generation student, my parents’ ceilings are my floors, and I would not be where I am now without their love, support, and the sacrifices that they made to provide me with the strongest opportunities possible. I believe it is vital to appreciate and recognize everyone who has helped shape me into the person I am today because I do not believe I could have done it without their guidance. In retrospect, if I could go back in time, I’d teach myself to appreciate my identity, and accept support- as a middle eastern woman I come from a culture where asking for help or taking it is a form of weakness and I grew up with the notion that being vulnerable is not a sign of strength but I learned that that couldn’t be more wrong- my message to first-generation women in STEM would be to persevere, ask for help and guidance whenever you need it, and find comfort in the hard things. A bird will never know it’s in a cage unless it tries to fly- so learn to love and accept your fears and turn them into your strengths.
